7 hours ago
4
22-year wait is OVER!
©TM/IMAGO
North London was engulfed in joyful celebrations on Tuesday night after Arsenal were crowned English Premier League champions. It ended a 22-year wait for the Gunners to win the title and it was fully deserved as they were unquestionably the best team in England this season and led the way for the majority of the season. In recent years, Arsenal have experienced heartbreak, failing to get over the line to face accusations of being ‘bottlers’ but Mikel Arteta’s men have silenced their critics.
Arsenal players and staff gathered at the club’s training ground to watch Manchester City’s clash with Bournemouth and Pep Guardiola’s men were unable the secure three points required to take the title race to the final day. Tens of thousands of supporters descended on the Emirates stadium to party in the early hours in scenes that will never be forgotten. It’s already a historic season for Arsenal and it could yet become legendary with a Champions League final against PSG on the horizon - the Gunners have never won a major European trophy. To reflect on Arsenal’s title triumph, we’ve selected and analysed their five most important players.
Arsenal’s five key players behind title win
Declan Rice has been Arsenal’s standout player and he’s a strong contender to win the PFA Players’ Player of the Year. The England international is one of the best midfielders on the planet and he’s been the driving force behind their title success. Rice has started 35 of Arsenal’s 37 league games this season, missing one game through injury and entering the fray as a substitute once. The 27-year-old covers every blade of grass and is exceptional at breaking up play before dictating the tempo. Arsenal broke their transfer record to sign Rice from West Ham for €116.6 million but it’s been money well spent.
Few would argue that William Saliba is the best centre-back on the planet and he’s the most valuable on Transfermarkt at €90m. The French international is an absolute Rolls-Royce and glides through games, while dominating strikers. Saliba’s partnership with Gabriel is the backbone of Arsenal’s success and they boast the best defensive record in Europe. The Gunners have only conceded 26 goals in the Premier League this season, which is seven fewer than Man City and Saliba has been outstanding again. Due to the high expectations around him, Saliba’s continued excellence often fails to generate the recognition he deserves.
Gabriel is the stereotypical player that opposition supporters despise but fans of the club absolutely adore. The 28-year-old has started 30 league games and would have been an ever-present had it not been for a hamstring injury. Gabriel is so physically dominant and his level of aggression has been lacking in previous Arsenal sides. Always a major threat from set-pieces, Gabriel will rightfully be named in the PFA team of the season.
David Raya is the best goalkeeper in England and one of the best in Europe - even if Spain boss Luis de la Fuente disagrees. The 30-year-old has started all 37 league games and kept an incredible 19 clean sheets - registering a shut out in more than 50% of appearances. Aaron Ramsdale was popular at the Emirates but Raya is a massive upgrade and he should be in contention for player of the season. He’s excellent aerially, so comfortable in possession and he’s pulled off some vital saves at crucial times.
The jury is still firmly out on Viktor Gyökeres and he’s faced justified criticism at periods in the season but he’s ultimately helped fire Arsenal to the title - what else truly matters? The 27-year-old isn’t the most aesthetically pleasing but he leads the line well and he’s certainly played his part. Gyökeres is Arsenal’s top scorer in the league with 14 goals in 35 appearances and his return of 21 in all competitions is decent. Two goals against rivals Tottenham were the highlight for the Swedish international and although there’s significant rooms for improvement, Gyökeres has helped Arsenal end their trophy drought.
